Hutchinson Python 3 Racing Lab tire review – more versatile than the name suggests

I’ve been testing the third iteration of Hutchinson's long-standing Python tire, aptly named the Python 3. It’s a mixed-condition XC race tire but has proven to be a great performing all-rounder on my local trails. The race-focused tread pattern, combined with a tough and durable carcass has really impressed me. If you’re chasing Strava KOMs or lining up at an XC race, the Python 3s might help with your ambitions, as long as you can get them mounted on your rim!

Design and aesthetics

The ‘Racing Lab’ moniker means these XC tires have been hand-made in France and developed with input from professional athletes, such as the Hutchinson-sponsored Decathlon Ford Racing Team. The Python 3 is a lot more versatile than the file-treaded Python Race, and aims to balance grip, comfort, traction, and performance in a tire that isn’t overly aggressive. The tread uses a new version of Hutchinson’s Race Ripost XC compound, which is now a dual-compound construction. A harder compound in central sections to assist with rolling speed combined with a softer side compound for increased deformation and grip. The tread is bonded to a durable 66tpi (threads per inch) carcass and reinforced with bead-to-bead puncture protection from Hutchinson's established ‘Hardskin’ reinforcement.

The center tread pattern is what initially stands out but look closer and the remaining knobs are decently spaced apart. The shoulder knobs are quite low profile and follow the rounded profile of the tire. The tread pattern is clearly directional and designed to be run in the same direction whether on front or rear tire duties. 

Available in black and tan wall versions, the Python 3 Racing Lab is available in both 2.3in and 2.4in, but only in 29in flavor.

Performance

First things first…. I really struggled to get these tires onto my rims, so much so that I had to phone a friend to help. I’ve swapped enough tires in my time to consider myself competent in this department, but even after applying soapy liquid to the bead and rim, I still struggled. In Hutchinson's defense, it could just be my Bontrager Kovee Elite 30 rim/tire combination. With enough brute force and ignorance, they finally popped into position and thankfully inflated to the recommended 22psi without any problems. They measure up at 2.35in when mounted on a 29mm internal width rim, so only just under the stated 2.4in width.

The center tread pattern remains in constant contact with the ground, which helps with rolling speed. On hard-packed terrain, I found they carry speed exceptionally well. The rounded profile leans over easily and consistently, and on trail center trails, the transitioning between turns is very predictable and fast. The rounded profile also allows the rear tire to drift around corners with ease, making tight turns on steeper terrain great fun. 

Despite first appearances, I found the Python 3s surprisingly grippy when climbing. I have a couple of particularly steep climbs on my test loop which pushes tire traction and grip to their limit. The first climb is grassy with a few bare patches which is on the absolute limit of what I can climb without losing traction, and the Python 3s made it without hesitation. The second climb is a chunkier and rockier affair with a couple of crux sections that rely on rear wheel grip, and I was really impressed with how the Python 3s found traction, even on slightly damp rocks. 

The reinforced carcass allows the Python 3 to hold its shape well at the recommended 22psi. I didn’t experience any unwanted tire fold or flop, even when really pushing it on downhill sections and I didn’t ever feel the tire bottoming out on the rim.

The shallow tread pattern obviously has its limits though. On softer terrain, they just don’t have the bite to dig in, and the lack of aggressive shoulder knobs means they can struggle to hold a line when descending on chunky and loose surfaces.

The Python 3 has coped with typical UK summer well, which really means they’ve dealt with some quite varied conditions ranging from hard pack bone dry trails to shallow mud baths. The shallow tread sheds mud quickly but does struggle if it gets too claggy as the tread depth just isn’t there.

After three months of use and several hundred miles, I’ve not had a single puncture. The center blocks are starting to wear on the rear, but not excessively, with no tears or missing blocks on the tread.

Verdict

It would be easy to overlook the Python 3 as simply a mixed-condition XC race tire but don’t let the center tread profile deceive you as they have a lot more to offer. The amount of traction from the rear tire is surprisingly good, and the 66tpi casing with Hardskin reinforcement gives the confidence to push on any terrain. The Python 3s are a seriously fast and capable tire, but probably best kept for the summer, as they will struggle when the weather seriously turns. 

Tech specs:  Hutchinson Python 3 Racing Lab tires

• Price: $74.99 / £59.99 /  €69.99
• Weight: 810g (2.4in, Tan)
• Sizes:  2.3in x 29 and 2.4in x 29
• Colors: Black, Tan (tested)